Rams Johnny Hekker switches numbers, remembers Mike Sadler
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Rams punter Johnny Hekker has switched jersey numbers at training camp to honor former Michigan State punter Mike Sadler.
Sadler and Nebraska punter Sam Foltz were killed in a car crash after working at a kicking clinic in Wisconsin last month. LSU kicker Colby Delahoussaye was also injured in the accident.
“I just couldn’t help but ask coach if I could wear the number just to honor him during training camp because it means that much to me,” said Hekker, wearing No. 3 instead of No. 6, after practice Monday.
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Hekker, a fifth-year pro from Oregon State, met Sadler before his freshman season at Michigan State and trained with him for five years.
He said Sadler could “light up a room” and “had more wit than an entire ‘SNL’ cast.”
“Mike was always one of those guys making you better,” Hekker said. “He was a great, great punter so of course you’d see him hit a bomb and you’d want to hit one as well and you’d see Mike opening up his books and getting into his studies and you’d be like, ‘Man, maybe I should be a little more serious about my schoolwork.’”
Sadler started four seasons at Michigan State and was a four-time Academic All-American.
Foltz was a three-year starter at Nebraska and was named the Big Ten’s punter of the year last season.
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